Hayward DUI Lawyer

A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction can have a large impact on your life. If you are  convicted of DUI charges, you could potentially go to jail,  lose your driver’s license, be placed on probation, be required to attend DUI school and install an ignition interlock device on your car, lose your ability to drink alcohol legally while on probation, and be required to pay a substantially higher amount for auto insurance. Due to the considerable penalties an individual can face if convicted of a DUI, it is so important to hire a Hayward DUI lawyer when facing Driving Under the Influence charges

The attorneys at The Nieves Law Firm know just how overwhelming  it is to be charged with a DUI. Don’t let a DUI take control of your life. An attorney could work with you to build a defense to your DUI charges, and attempt to get a favorable plea bargain or a dismissal of your charges. The attorneys at The Nieves Law Firm have won multiple awards for their work as criminal defense and DUI attorneys. If you would like to learn more about our DUI representation, give us a call to schedule a free consultation. En Español

Hayward Driving Under the Influence Laws

In California, you can receive a DUI for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription drugs and marijuana. Yes, it is still illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana.

While not illegal to drink or to take certain drugs and drive, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over .08 percent, or, in the case of drugs, to be impaired while driving. It may be possible to be charged with and convicted of DUI with a BAC under .08 percent in certain situations. For example,

• Zero Tolerance Policy: It is illegal for an individual under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC over .01 percent
• DUI Probation: Individuals who are currently on probation for a DUI cannot consume alcohol  at all.  Any consumption of alcohol will result an additional DUI if they are found to be driving with a BAC over .01 percent
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): It is illegal for any person holding a CDL to have a BAC over .04 percent
• Rideshare/Taxi Services: It is unlawful for someone to drive when a passenger for hire is in the vehicle with a BAC over .04 percent

If you were charged with a DUI, regardless of if it was related to drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, or alcohol, a DUI lawyer in Hayward could help. Contact The Nieves Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with someone on our team.

What is a Wet Reckless?

A frequently asked question that clients and potential new clients want to know is whether there are alternatives available to a DUI and what their options are for resolution.  A Wet Reckless (VC §23103) is a form of reckless driving that may be available in plea bargains related to DUI cases, depending on a number of factors. A “Wet Reckless” plea may result in lesser penalties such as no jail time, a shorter DUI school, no IID, no mandatory license suspension, and reduced fines. Here is a link to a video about Wet Recklessness that can give you more information on the subject:

While a wet reckless is sometimes available in California DUI cases, it is not guaranteed. A Hayward DUI attorney at our firm could work towards getting your DUI reduced to a Wet or Dry Reckless or getting the charges dismissed entirely. In the event the parties don’t agree to a favorable disposition our DUI lawyers can also prepare the case for trial if that is the best strategy in your matter. We do not expect our clients to take a plea to a DUI just because it’s the easy route to take. We are focused on investigating the facts, reviewing the evidence, negotiating with the DA, pinpointing weaknesses in the case and targeting an outcome that addresses the client’s goals.

Contact an Experienced DUI Lawyer

The consequences of a DUI are serious and far-reaching, impacting everything from your ability to drive, your criminal record, your insurance rates, you career, and even your immigration status. That is why it is important to work with a skilled DUI attorney if you’ve been charged with a DUI. Contact a Hayward DUI lawyer at The Nieves Law Firm to learn more about the options available in your case.